Body found in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines - The body of a man believed to be a victim of summary execution was found yesterday near the shoreline of Aplaya in Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

Investigators from the Manila Police District (MPD) homicide section placed the victim between 24 and 35 years old. The man was well-built and had several tattoos, they said.

The MPD received a call at around 8:30 a.m. yesterday, with the caller saying a man’s body was seen just a few meters from the coastline and had gunshot wounds in the face.

The body bore no signs of struggle but the victim was found with bullet holes in the nape and through his left eye, indicating that he was shot at close range.

Probers said residents heard two gunshots in the wee hours of the morning but no one would like to testify.

A postal identification card bearing the name Michael Dabalos was found near the crime scene, but police officers would not confirm the victim’s identity pending further investigation.